Paul Shikhvarger turned his love for watches and jewelry into an enjoyable and thriving business. As the owner of Pacific Jewelry Watch Appraisers & Buyers in Pacific Palisades, Paul has assisted a multitude of clients since 2001, performing appraisals for those who would like to learn the value of their jewelry or who need appraisals done for insurance and/or estates. He also purchases a wide selection of pocket watches and wrist watches—Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe and Omega are some of the popular brands that he often deals with, along with a wide range of jewelry, silverware and coins.

Many of Paul’s clients come to him after inheriting watches and jewelry, silverware and tea sets or coin collections that don’t quite match their needs. Paul can purchase the pieces and his clients can use the money to buy other pieces of jewelry or take a vacation. Whether clients wish to see him for appraisal purposes or to sell their watches, jewelry, coins or silverware, Paul prides himself on providing excellent, personalized customer service. He is a very genial, low-key fellow who strives to make every client happy and he holds himself to the highest ethical standards.

“Reputation is everything,” says Paul. “I have grown my business by sharing my knowledge and experience with my clients and providing them with expert appraisals and competitive prices. It is quite gratifying to receive so many referrals.”

Paul meets with clients at his Palisades office or at clients’ homes, offices or bank vaults. Always extremely discreet—whether with celebrities or other clients—Paul will never reveal anyone’s name or the provenance of any watch or piece of jewelry. In a business that often gets a bad rap, Paul has succeeded by treating clients fairly and operating with integrity. It is not surprising that his reviews on Google and Yelp sing his praises. He has built his business through word-of-mouth referrals and says he is quite pleased to have worked with three generations of many local families.

While most of his clients reside in the Palisades, Brentwood, Bel Air, Malibu, Topanga, Venice and Santa Monica, Paul has also worked with clients from Orange County and Lake Tahoe, as well as from other states and in Europe and Asia.

Paul’s talent and expertise have been honed over the past 20 years by apprenticing to expert watchmakers and jewelers, working in the industry and studying. A Graduate Gemologist (G.G.), Paul studied for two years at the Gemologicial Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. He is also a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.

A Jeweler’s Journey

A native of the Ukraine, Paul earned a master’s degree in Engineering there. After working as an engineer for two years, he opened his own business servicing electronic machines for banks. Concurrently, he apprenticed with a watchmaker for four years in the Ukraine, before moving to Los Angeles with his wife and daughter in 1993. After working as a radiology technician for three years, Paul went on to work as a certified computer network engineer and as a research and development consultant, designing fiber channel switches for Nortel Networks and Gadzooks Network. When his former employer went out of business, Paul decided to change direction and go to work in the jewelry and appraisal industry. Paul initially worked for an online jewelry business, first evaluating and then appraising watches and jewelry for several years, before launching his own business in 2006 in downtown Los Angeles. As his reputation grew and his clientele expanded to include many residents of the Westside, he decided to move his office to the Palisades in 2012. Drawn to this dynamic, family-friendly community by many of his clients, Paul truly enjoys the village.

When he is not working, this Mar Vista resident enjoys spending time with his daughter, a social media coordinator, and hiking, swimming, bicycling and fishing. Paul is also an avid sports fan and has fun attending Lakers, Clippers and Los Angeles Kings games.

Pacific Jewelry Watch Appraisers & Buyers, located at 845 Via De La Paz, Suite 5, in Pacific Palisades, is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., by appointment. Same-day appointments are available.